U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette[2] at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte in 2012. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Colorado’s longest-serving member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, will be performing civil union ceremonies tonight after the clock strikes midnight.

May 1 is when a new law allowing same-sex couples to perform civil unions[3] goes into effect. At midnight, the clerk and recorder’s office will open and begin to issue licenses so ceremonies can begin.

“Today is a great day for Colorado as we take a substantial — and long overdue — step toward equality and acceptance for all our families with the legalization of civil unions, said DeGette, a Denver Democrat and vice chair of the Congressional LGBT caucus.

“While today represents a significant achievement in the pursuit of full equality for LGBT Coloradoans, we cannot forget that there is still work left to be done. Today I stand proudly with so many of my colleagues, friends, and neighbors in celebrating this milestone, and look forward to standing with them on the road ahead.”

The legislature this year passed civil unions after it died the previous two years — and in dramatic fashion in 2012. Gov. John Hickenlooper[4] signed it into law in March. All three years the bill has been co-sponsored by Sen. Pat Steadman[5], and Rep. Mark Ferrandino[6], two gay Denver Democrats.